Mike Conaway: “last August a man named Mike Flynt attempted to use his final year of college eligibility by walking on at Sul Ross…”

“last August a man named Mike Flynt attempted to use his final year of college eligibility by walking on at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. He endured the rigors of two-a-days and made the team. Although a nagging groin injury prevented him from participating in games through the first half of the season, his leg healed to the point that he could participate in several games on special teams and, in the final game of the season, played at linebacker for the final defensive series. Mr. Speaker, so far, this story is not unusual. However, Mike Flynt's story is unique in that he will turn 60 years of age next year. Mike and I graduated from high school together and played on the first State championship team at Odessa Permian. Mike fulfilled a 30-year desire to compete one more time in a game he loves. His efforts and accomplishments amaze us all. He was an inspiration to his teammates, coaches and fellow Sul Ross students. His efforts brought positive publicity to a small university in far west Texas. Mr. Speaker, in a world where athletes often seem to let us down, it's refreshing to see the example of hard work, dedication and perseverance that is Mike Flynt.”